NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13807, 22 August 1913, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Notices of motion have been lodged as follows ior the next meeting of the City Council on the 29th in-st:^ —By Councillor AVebley: "Tliat sick leave be granted to John-Ingrain,..-,,and. John ■Sharp-* for three niontlis from the time they each ceastd work on account of illness, and that they bo paid half wages for that period." . By Councillor Piper:—"(l) That the resolution passed by this Council on the 24th November,'l9ll, as follows, viz., 'That tho price of tar'be. advanced'one penny per gallon,' be, and the .same is, hereby rescinded. (2) That the retail price of tar .to. ordinary consumers be fourpence per gallon for quantities up to and including 100 gallons, and threepence per gallon for quantities exceeding 100 gallon©, such prices to be nett prices in customers' own casks at the gasworks."

State advances to fishermen to onabks them to obtain their boats, nets> and other gear on more favourable terms than is at present the case are suggested in a question which Mr G. M. Thomson has addressed to tho ■ Minister for Marine in the House of | Representatives. . . - . I

The Wanganui Museum^ was broken into'lof.t night and about £30 worth of gold'specimens taken. Several pounds' worth :of damage was done;to fittings. The police arc investigating, says a Pr&ss Associa-tion message.

A F<Mlding Chinaman ~has a gramophone- in his possession with a number ;of songs in the Chinese language, and his delight in tho possesion of this [source of amusement is unbounded.

"Tho danger of publishing statistics unless you explain exactly and fully what they mean is very great," remarked Mr. G. Hogbon during a lecture on "The Medical Inspection «f School Children" at .Wellington. He instanced this American case: A whole school of children was examined, and only one child had sound teeth, and that one had spinal trouble. ''So," Mr Hogbon said,, "tho statistics might bo read to the effect that there was not one healthy child in the school; but all the doctors of the town, and some from other towns, went to examine the children, and they found them just about..as healthy a set of youngsters as could be found anywhere."

"We-come here and call ©n the Government to assist the backblocits,''' said the chairman (Mr A. E. Juil) at* ■tjic- Counties' Ooriifetrence (says the "Times") "but are we ever disposed to do anything of it ourselves? Hereis an opportunity to do something of the iund." Tho comment was . appliedto a remit from Pnhiatua seeking to make !it permissible for counties to oonstitu.de ridings for representation purposes only and to make the general expenditure of the county a charge on the county found.

The experience of the settlers at Port Underwood, would go to show that the problem of inexpensively eradicating the blackberry has at last been solved (says; the "Marlborough Impress"). Mr. F. H. Brittain, Inspector of Stock, who visited the Port within the last few days, has returned to town with /Specimens of a blight that has had the effect of practically killing out the noxious growth in that locality Some form of scale has attacked the plants, profusely covering the canes, and quickly depriving them of life, as in the case of die-back in fruit trees. The blight was imported by a, Port Underwood settler, and systematically encouraged by his neighbours when they had observed its effectiveness. It is easily transferred from one, plant to another, tho process being to cut out a green piece of wood that has been infested and attach it to another bush. The- scale- spreads rapidly within a limited area, and also preys on currants, gooseberries, raspberries, roses, and such growths; but so far as has been noted, it does not carry itself very far afield, and gardeners need have no fear of it if not brought close to their boundaries. In certain districts of Northern Marlborough tho blight should prove a. real boon if it can be applied without general danger to the profitable products of tho soil.

A public meeting was held at Blenheim on Tuesday in furtherance of the project to open a road suitablo for motor traffic from Blenheim to the West Coast, via Tophouse and the Bul-ler. It was stated that the route suggested would traverse .something like 80,000 acres of Crown lands suitable for cutting up into smaller holdings. Reliable estimates showed that tho work of establishing such a connection as was contemplated could be carried out for £10,000. All that was required was that tho rivers be bridged and the present line of, road put in order. It was resolved that those present form themselves into a league, to be called the Blenheim-West Coast Development League. It was stated that all tho members of Parliament through whose electorates the road passes were sympathetic towards the proposal. Mr. J. Fiven, of The Lake, writes to tho "Marlborough Express" ridiculing tho ideas of some of tho advocates of the scheme, and declaring that fifty miles of road formation would be nearer the mark than the fifteen said to bo necessary to enablo cars to run through from Bleiiheim to tho West Coast in seven and a-half hours. Ho says they, would have a better chance of walking a tigbtropo across Market Square than of running' tho outfit through in the time.

A petition is,at present being circulated in the fseudorf district in connection with an improvement to the -Nol-son-Collingwood main road. A_grant is being asked for to enable a deviation of tho main road to bo made at Appleby. This deviation will pass around the foot of th{>. M outers Hills and moct tho main road just-.above Upper Moutere. Tho Moutere' hills will thus bo sut off, a:ul a nr'reat improvement thereby effc-ctfd. Tho deviation will' bo comparatively level, and it will pasts through the new fruit, country and will open up land there. Tho Upper Aiou-tere-Neudorf Progressive Association are moving in the matter, and it is hoped that all electors will endeavour to sign this petition, as.it is in the in-. tereFts of tho whole district that a good 10-.-ol road .should be fanned which will cut "out biu:li a. stoop, oxponsive and dangerous route as tints over tho Moutero bills.

. The August number of the "Windsor Magazine,"'" to hand from Messrs Jackson and Co., contains a large, in-sta-lmont of Gertrude Pago's now novel of llhodesian life, "Tho Pathway." which carries the story far enough to show that it is going to be one of the author's most powerful and fascinating books. The other new series, "The Fortunes of Virginia Bright," reaches a very amusing stage. Mr Albert Kinross shows a very pretty gift for comedy in this story. A fur-thor complete episode in H.alliwcU Sutelitfo's fine romance, "Tho Open Road," is as picturesque and charming as any of its predecessors, and there is a notable array of good short stories. Prominent among tho' articles is a. valuable estimate of "The Practical Outcome- of Ruskinism," by A. E. iFlctcher. The article is profusely illustrated. There is also a new Nature study by Charles G. D. Roberts, and a survey of "Tho Problem of Mars." accompanied by some interesting illustrations. . 'Tho fine art feature of tho number is an article on the work _ of that great nineteenth century artist. Sir John Gilbert, R.A., which is accompanied by some eighteen reproductions from his pictures.

Tho Thermometer.—At three o'clock this morning 'the thermometer ...outside this office registered 38 degrees.

For Influenza take- Woods' Great Peppermint Curc-. Never fails. Is 6d, 2s 6d.

The fame of -Montere apple lands has spread from one end of New Zealand to the other. Those interested should not -fail to read the announcement in the advertise-me-nt columns on page 8 regarding the Kuby Bay Estate.*

The Beautifj-ing Society has evidently done good work in brightening up several clul] parts of the city, and the society intends to continue its good work. It therefore behoves our women folk to sco to it that the brightening of their homCs is not lost sight of, and no better opportunity is afforded than at the present time to get your.home out of it-3 winter dress and invest it with some of the lighter colours that belong to the seasons that are coming. A visit to Lock's Great Furnishing Emporium will be of the greatest assistancei for Lock's hold a large and splendid stock of furniture ami furnishing goods, and their value, considering the quality of the goods, is exceptional. Lock's give expert advice on home renovating free of charge. Pay this vwfibnuse a visit;

"You would be a good fellow to depend upon at the next election," -said the president of tho Counties' Association to a delegate (Mr, Coop, of Wairewa) who said he was trustee of iivo estates, when a remit was discussed which suggested that a trustee should exercise his votes for the trust estate in addition^ to any votes he had for his own property. The motion was carried on a division (says tho "Dominion") after being declared lost.

It is quito a sign of tho times that a Melbourne Chinese pressman has become a proficient wireless operator (writes the Melbourne correspondent of.tho Sydney "Sun). Over the*om'co of tho Chinese "Timos," in liusseil street, a plant has been erected, capable of rfKieiving nes.puges ''from vessels at sea, or from even as far as Sydney and Adelaide. It recently '"caught" one from the Parramatta when the destroyer was steaming between Melbourne and Sydney, but, of course, the message was not understood, as no one but tho authorities know the secret code operating in the navy. Mr. \V. Ming, the translator ior tho Chinese "Times," is the operator. As far as is known lie is tho only Chinese iv Australia who has mastered the intricacies of wireless telegraphy. He has gained his knowledge almost solely from self-tuition. Ho has always interested himself in electrical engineering.

We aro quite satisfied that land settlement has not advanced anything like so rapidly as it should have advanced, nor do wo expect the pace to bo materially improved until the subdivision clauses in last year's Land Act are strengthened by the addition or compulsory powers. And as to Mr Herrieu'e two departments—i Native Affairs and Railways—-is there much to be said that cannot bo summed up in that blessed "taihoa," which lie used to apply with such telling scorn to the policy of his predecessor in the Native Onice?—Wellington "Post."

A gentleman who has been closely connected with labour matters in Canterbury for a number of years, iniorined an'Ashburton "Guardian" reporter that there were fully 250 to 300 men out of employment in Christchurch at the present time, and he added that lie had never known tho1 employment question to be so acute "at this penou of the year. Many of tho men were absolutely penniless, and, although they had approached both ■ the city council and the Government, they wero unable to get work.

The Auckland syndicate which, with an out-of-dato outlit commenced boring for oil in- the Whangarei High School reserve- (says the Poverty Bay "Herald") and struck a highly inflammable gas and an oily liquid at the bottom of tho bore, has succeeded ni interesting a London syndicate to pnt up £i 0,000, and its representative, Mr Isaac Coates, who went to the Old Country for the purpose, cables that the syndicate will put up £50,000 if further exploration finds payable oil. Tho Minister of Mines has promised to get the Order-jHi-O'oaiJtcil, hurried through so that operations may he recommenced ou tho field with an improved plant.

Professor Mills, organiser for tho Social Democratic Party, addressed a meeting last night in tho Orange Hall. There was a small .attendance. Air. Mills traversed the grounds upcr. v,lich the Social Democratic Party intended to work, following lines similar to those of his meeting in tho School of Music on Wednesday evening. Ho stated that tho present gathering was for the purpose of forming a Nelson branch of tho party he represented. He outlined the constitution of the party, and that proposed for the branches, .saying that tho latter could amend their constitutions in whatever way they liked, but it \yas advisable that all should bo as similar as possible for tho purpose of offering better facilities for co-operation with the head office of the party. Ho dwelt at length on the work of tho various committees which would' be set up in the branch. Wliien, the party had 500 assured supoorters in a constituency it would consider that it had a lighting chanco of returning a member to Parliament, but this member would be selected by 'he party, and not by tho branch. Elections would only bo contested when tho support mentioned was lorthcoming. ■ Hie great advantage of the branches was that they would bo a I'vo force to work up a backing in a constituency. At tho conclusion of Professor Mills' address a number of questions wore put and answered; it was then decided to form a Nelson branch of the Social Democratic Party, i\nd the following officers wero elected: President, Mr. G. Neve ; .vice-president, Mr. T. Harris; secretary and treasurer Mr. C. Smith. It was decided that th'c first meeting of tho nowly-I'orn-.od branch bo held on Wednesday next, when the local organiser will bs appointed.

Tho faithiul sacrifices of five people* wore ail unavailing to save the lifo of Millionarie Middle-ton, of New V(;rk. For 10 days ho .Xv -at death's door suff-jring iru:n ]»ovi-Tty of blood, and iin:vi!v his fatljcr, brother, -wife, cousin, and ("rjllego mate all allowed their biood to flow into Middleton's y<'iii>i. But ho died. 'Hfi was first stricken down while o:i bin wtddisig tour a foui>lo of month1-- snr<-; and his wife's love- was proved by the fact that of oil t!u- bluoii givLTi to" 3c.-r husband, J5 p<.::- cent. carao ircm' her veins.

A rvMnit submitted to tho conf-orfnco of the Countios5' Association on Tuesday that chairmen of county councils bo" paid £100 in lieu of travelling expanses was put to the vote twico. Tlio iirst vote (says tho "Dominion") was very oven and before the division was taken a member remarked: '"When thoso who voted against have had to cough up the amouut they have been paid' of or travelling expenses they will vote-the other way." On tho division thor-s was scarcely a, voice raised against." Whilst debating the question of travelling expenses of county councillors when' on tho business of v tht? council, a deli gate remarked: "W.'hat abrtut mo? I live right opposes tho council building so I get nothing. "You should shift," was the president's laconic reply.

The search for Mr. J. O. Croft, latostationmaster at Granity, who has been missing iov over a month, must now b- considered as abandoned (says the '-Grcymonth Star"). There app-ecrs to bo j'-co'd Reason to think that on the day of his disappearance ho was sceu in" Derby street, and later in HtnJcy street, West}>ort. Croft's life is insured for £2000, but it is understood that failing proof of death, the policy will not do paid for seven years. Tho "Star" adds that the missing man is reported to havo property in Christchurch ■ valued at about £5000.

Messrs. Buxton and Co., Ltd., have received word that the Rotoru a arrived in' W'!ollinsto:i at, 8.30 yesterday morning. Messrs. Bislcy Bros, and Co. advertise an exhibition to be hold to-day in Mr. Leslie Reynolds' orchard at Stoke of the new "Fortree" sprayer, and all fmit-frowers .ire cordially invited to be present. Wanted known.—For the best value ijj vexing and birthday gifts, go to Loui3 Kerr, jeweller.* For the best jaloe in engagement, rings visit; Lonir. Kerr, jeweller, 109.,: Trafalgar 'street.* ■

! Teachers are reminded of tho meoi*- | ing of the Educational Institute to* ■ morrow afternoon at the Boys' School,when a large gathering is expected. Mr* Kidson will.give an address on theMohtessori methods in primary class work, and aftor _ tho discussion, Miss Bond will explain to those interested the now proposal regarding the teach* ing of sewing. There has been presented to Parß-i* men a petition signed by 4770 residents of Wellington abd suburbs, rt questing the Government not to give tho Wellington City Council power to stop tha running of motor 'buses in the streets of Wellington and suburbs, ;is, .say tr»» petitioners, "we would hnd them agreat public convenience."